# Components:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - ½ cup milk
→ Tres Leches Soaking Liquid
09 - 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
10 - 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
11 - 1 cup whole milk
12 - ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk (optional)
→ Buttered Pecan Topping
13 - 1 cup pecans, chopped
14 - ¼ cup unsalted butter
15 - ½ cup brown sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Whipped Cream Frosting
17 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
18 - ¼ cup powdered sugar
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, tapping out excess flour.
02 - Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, approximately 3–5 minutes.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, alternating with milk in three additions. Begin and end with flour, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Whisk sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, and coconut milk if using, until completely smooth.
08 - Let cake cool 10 minutes. Pierce surface thoroughly with a fork. Slowly pour milk mixture over cake, allowing absorption through holes. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
09 - Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes until pecans are toasted and mixture bubbles. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool slightly.
10 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
11 - Spread whipped cream evenly over soaked cake. Drizzle cooled buttered pecan topping across the surface. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
